Every Stay Tells a Story.

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Travel Guides & Local Stories

Discover Sydney through the eyes of those who know it best — from the places we love to the people who make every stay feel personal.

Step into our collection of Travel Guides and Local Stories, where Hotel Woolstore 1888 comes to life through thoughtful recommendations and personal moments.

Find insider tips on exploring Pyrmont and beyond, discover local favourites from our team, and meet the personalities who bring warmth and character to every guest experience.

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Travel Guide: Wander Well, the Best Walks Near Pyrmont

Some cities are made for walking, and Sydney is one of them. The harbo…

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Travel Guide: Wander Well, the Best Walks Near Pyrmont

From harbourside paths to city gardens, discover the beauty of Sydney one walk at a time.

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Some cities are made for walking, and Sydney is one of them. The harbour breeze, the morning light, the rhythm of footsteps carrying you from one story to the next. From the moment you step outside Hotel Woolstore 1888 Sydney, the neighbourhood begins to reveal itself with heritage streets, leafy laneways and water views at every turn.

Positioned between Darling Harbour and Pirrama Bay, the hotel is perfectly placed for some of the city’s most scenic and accessible walks. Whether you prefer quiet paths before coffee, sunlit harbour edges through the afternoon, or skyline reflections after dark, Sydney rewards those who wander well.

If mornings are your moment

Start your day at Pirrama Park, a short five-minute walk from the hotel. This harbourside space is part of the Pyrmont Foreshore Walk, which stretches around 6 kilometres and takes about two hours at an easy pace. You can shorten it to a relaxed loop past Jones Bay Wharf for views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the city skyline.

The walk is mostly flat and paved, making it ideal for a gentle start to the day. Bring a hat, sunglasses and a bottle of water, especially in warmer months. When you return, let breakfast at Percy ease you into the morning. A plate of seasonal fruit and sourdough with coffee is all you need before heading out again.

If afternoons are when you come alive

As the sun climbs, cross Pyrmont Bridge and follow the harbour’s edge toward Darling Harbour. The entire loop from the hotel to Barangaroo Reserve covers roughly 5 kilometres one way and takes about an hour depending on your pace. Along the way, the Chinese Garden of Friendship and Tumbalong Park offer shaded stops for a rest.

Continue to Barangaroo Reserve, a waterfront park built on natural sandstone with winding paths and grassy terraces overlooking the harbour. It’s the perfect setting for a mid-afternoon stroll and one of Sydney’s most photogenic public spaces.

If evenings are when you fall for a city

As the day fades, make your way toward Barangaroo Promenade and follow the curve of the harbour toward Millers Point. The 3 kilometre stretch takes about 40 minutes at a relaxed pace and offers incredible twilight views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.

Prefer to stay close to the hotel? A gentle evening loop through Pirrama Park delivers the same sense of calm, with softly lit paths and the shimmer of the skyline reflected on the water.

And if you’re lucky enough to be here on a Saturday night between October and February, you’ll catch Darling Harbour’s famous fireworks lighting up the sky from 9pm. These free displays turn the harbour into a canvas of colour – the perfect backdrop for an evening stroll or a nightcap by the water.

Back at Hotel Woolstore 1888, the timber beams and warm glow welcome you home.

Where Every Stay Tells a Story

Whether it’s the hush of an early morning walk, the hum of the harbour at midday or the sparkle of Sydney after dark, every step through Pyrmont has something to say.

Wear comfortable shoes, carry water and take the long way back. All you have to do is wander well.

Image credit: Destination NSW

Travel Guide: Sydney Stays for Theatre Lovers

There’s something special about landing in Sydney with a theatre ticke…

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Travel Guide: Sydney Stays for Theatre Lovers

Perfectly placed for show nights, slow mornings, and everything in between

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There’s something special about landing in Sydney with a theatre ticket in hand. The city feels alive with possibility. The lights seem brighter, the conversations a little louder, and the weekend ahead full of promise.

If you’re headed to the iconic Sydney Lyric Theatre, there’s no better place to anchor your stay than Hotel Woolstore 1888 Sydney, full of heritage charm, modern character, and just a 7-minute stroll to curtain call.

Set within a beautifully restored 19th-century woolstore in Pyrmont, our boutique hotel places you in the perfect pocket for a show-stopping weekend. Whether you’re in town for Hamilton, Moulin Rouge!, Come From Away, or something entirely new, you’re perfectly placed to make a night of it, with the comfort of knowing your bed is just a short stroll away.

And the magic doesn’t stop once the curtain falls. Because a weekend in Sydney deserves to be more than just a night at the theatre.

From touchdown to show time

Flying in? Hotel Woolstore 1888 is around 20 minutes from Sydney Airport, making it easy to settle in without fuss. Step inside and you’re immediately immersed in the character of our building’s 19th-century roots — original timber beams, exposed brickwork, and a sense of warmth that feels far from ordinary.

Choose from thoughtfully designed spaces that blend heritage character with modern comfort. Our Romney King Room offers everything you need for a relaxing stay, while the Corriedale Loft adds a playful split-level design with a plush king bed upstairs and a cosy lounge below. Inspired by a bright-fleeced breed, this room lets you stretch out and slow down, complete with walk-in rain shower, stocked minibar, and a touch of architectural drama.

Want a little more room to breathe? The High Country Suite offers space to unwind with floor-to-ceiling windows, a private terrace, and plenty of natural light to start your day just right. Wherever you choose to rest your head, you’ll be sleeping in Sydney’s most storied side of town, a short stroll to Sydney Lyric Theatre, and perfectly placed for everything Pyrmont has to offer.

A weekend made for more than just the theatre

As the anticipation builds, there’s no need to rush dinner. Begin your evening at Percy, our vibrant, Spanish-inspired bar and kitchen. Warm sandstone walls, natural wines, and a menu made for sharing set the tone for a pre-show experience that’s equal parts charming and relaxed. Percy celebrates the lively spirit of Barcelona’s pintxos bars with signature dishes like the rare breed Black Berkshire pork rib chop, salt-brined for 48 hours and served with a rich black garlic aioli, or the saffron soccarat, a crispy, golden take on the prized bottom layer of paella, topped with sweet pipperade and a trio of Spanish sauces.

If you’re in the mood to explore beyond the hotel, Pyrmont’s dining scene won’t disappoint. Just a few minutes’ walk from your room, you’ll find SALA serving refined waterfront Italian, Umami Dojo with bold Japanese flavours, and Flying Fish showcasing the best from Australian and New Zealand waters. Each spot is just steps from the Lyric Theatre entrance, making dinner plans feel effortlessly seamless.

A toast to the night

After the curtain call, why rush off? The evening’s just getting started. Head to The Rooftop at Quarryman’s for laidback cocktails under the stars, perched above one of Sydney’s best craft beer pubs. Or take a slow walk and wrap up your night with a scoop of Messina by the water.

Wake slow, eat well

Let the morning unfold at your own pace. Percy reopens with breakfast that’s anything but routine. Try the Sheepherder’s Breakfast, a generous plate of fried egg, Merguez sausage, Lyonnaise potato, goat’s curd and basil oil, our hearty homage to early 20th-century workers with a distinctly modern twist. Paired with a perfectly made coffee, it’s the kind of breakfast that reminds you this isn’t just any hotel stay.

Curtain call, then checkout

No need to rush. Whether you’re heading back to the airport, jumping on a train, or easing into a Sunday drive home, our team is here to help make your departure smooth. Need help booking a taxi, storing your bags, or finding the best route? Just ask, we’ve got you.

Because a great weekend isn’t just about the show, the dinner, or the destination. It’s about how it all fits together, from the first hello to the final farewell. And we’re here for all of it at Hotel Woolstore 1888 Sydney.

Image credit: Destination NSW

Local Story: Meet Roya, The Heart Behind Hotel Woolstore 1888

Walk into Hotel Woolstore 1888 Sydney, and you’ll likely spot Roya I’A…

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Local Story: Meet Roya, The Heart Behind Hotel Woolstore 1888

From front desk hellos to thoughtful details that make every stay personal, discover the warm spirit behind one of Sydney’s most characterful hotels.

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Walk into Hotel Woolstore 1888 Sydney, and you’ll likely spot Roya I’Anson before you even check in. She’s the kind of General Manager who greets guests by name, shares a laugh at the front desk, and never walks past a coffee machine without offering to make one.

“I’ve always loved the feeling of being part of people’s stories,” she says. “That’s what hospitality is to me — making someone’s day a little brighter.”

Roya’s warmth is matched by an easy energy that fills the hotel. Her leadership style is hands-on and full of heart — less about titles, more about people. She’s known for jumping in wherever she’s needed, whether that’s helping with luggage, greeting returning guests, or sharing local recommendations that only a Pyrmont insider would know.

“You can see the awe in our guests’ faces the moment they arrive — it’s a moment that never loses its magic,” she says.

A hotel with character (and heart)

When asked what she loves most about Hotel Woolstore 1888, Roya doesn’t hesitate. “It’s the character,” she says. “The mix of history and modern design — it feels like the building has its own story to tell.”

Her favourite spot is the entrance to the Homestead Suite, which once served as the original access point to the woolstore, marking the beginning of the building’s remarkable journey. “It’s a reminder of where it all started,” she adds, “a piece of history that still welcomes every guest today.”

Outside the hotel, Roya finds inspiration in the local rhythm of Pyrmont — where heritage meets the harbour and everything feels a little more personal. For lunch, she loves wandering down to the Sydney Fish Market, just a short walk from the hotel. “It’s such a classic Sydney experience,” she says. “There’s nothing better than sitting by the water with fresh seafood and that harbour breeze — it’s simple, relaxed, and exactly what this part of Sydney is about.”

In the neighbourhood

Outside the hotel, Roya finds inspiration in the local rhythm of Pyrmont — where heritage meets the harbour and everything feels a little more personal.

“Whenever the opportunity arises, I enjoy taking a brief walk to Pyrmont Bridge to admire the scenic beauty of Darling Harbour,” she says. “It’s a simple way to reset and take in how special this part of Sydney really is.”

When she’s not on the floor with her team, you might find her catching the sunset or exploring the laneways nearby. Her approach to hospitality mirrors the city she loves — open, easygoing, and quietly full of charm.

“One of the moments that brings me joy during a guest’s stay is spending time at the Front Desk or in Percy, listening to guests share their experiences with each other and our team,” she says. “Their kind words about the service and the beauty of the hotel are truly heartwarming.”

Where every stay feels personal

Warm, genuine and proudly hands-on, Roya embodies the Handwritten Collection spirit — thoughtful details, human connection, and a sense of place you can feel.

Because here at Hotel Woolstore 1888, every great story begins with someone who truly cares.

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